Monthly Archives: May 2012

Issue 20 of the ‘Public Service Review’, a key publication for the public policy sector, carries an article by IHBC Director Seán O’Reilly highlighting the environmental value of conservation, and how improving fiscal support for maintenance could help this ‘Conservation … Continue reading →

Simon Thurley, Chief Executive of English Heritage (EH), set out the organisation’s plans for the year ahead in a speech he gave on 22 May at Apsley House, London, including announcing EH’s proposed development of an indicator for Local Authorities. … Continue reading →

Research shows that street furniture, barriers, parks, public spaces and neighbourhood architecture can stir up powerful emotions in local residents, and this should be taken into account in programmes designed to reduce tensions and foster community cohesion. Four cities – … Continue reading →

Putting green infrastructure such as parks, gardens and trees at the heart of neighbourhoods can bring significant economic benefits, according to a Natural England study. The work showed that far from being an expensive luxury in difficult economic times, devoting … Continue reading →

The Welsh Government has set out plans detailing a pipeline of capital projects worth £15bn over the next decade. Building Co UK Article: LINK

A new web survey by sustainability consultant Georgie James, into the extent that environmental assessment methods are appropriate for refurbishment of historic buildings, is now open for responses. Georgie James writes: My research is into the extent that current environmental … Continue reading →

New Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) projects in the South West aim to bring Georgian pleasure gardens to life and explore the cemeteries of the future as projects explore groundbreaking ideas for new heritage experiences. AHRC writes: Six projects … Continue reading →

A new industry-wide forum has been set up to improve the employment of women, minorities and the disabled within the construction industry. CITB-ConstructionSkills writes: The new Construction Industry Leadership Forum for Fairness, Inclusion and Respect (FIR), has been established on … Continue reading →

The Association of Building Engineers (ABE) has launched the British Building Maintenance Awards for 2012, to recognise excellence, achievement and innovation in building maintenance management and estate services, including conservation. ABE writes: We like to welcome entries from both public … Continue reading →

The Historic Chapels Trust has announced that Roland Jeffery will be its Director from 25 May. He takes over from Dr Jennifer Freeman, who retired at the end of March having been the Director from the Trust’s inception in 1993. … Continue reading →

The Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC) has condemned the withdrawal of VAT relief for key heritage construction works, saying it will undermine the future improvement of many of the UK’s listed buildings while threatening much-needed growth, especially in construction … Continue reading →

Parliamentary questions raised on behalf of Built Environment Forum Scotland (BEFS), of which the IHBC is a member, confirm that the Scottish Government considers the move ‘deeply regrettable’, and ‘in the opposite direction from the approach that the Scottish Ministers … Continue reading →

The Chancellor has agreed an extra £30 million to help resolve the damage to the future of listed places of worship by the budget’s recent heritage ‘VAT raid’, a subvention only confirming the high-level recognition of the damage caused by … Continue reading →

More storage space, better soundproofing and ‘period features’ such as good light are some of the key features that people need when choosing a home! A new Ipsos MORI research report for the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has … Continue reading →

Communities Secretary Eric Pickles has decided not to intervene over Cornwall Council’s decision to allow the redevelopment of the derelict South Quay in Hayle which is part of a World Heritage Site. Both English Heritage and UNESCO’s consultants objected to … Continue reading →

The Churches Conservation Trust (CCT) has published its ‘Regeneration Strategy for 2012-15’, and launched a film on the work of its Regeneration Task Force and the diverse groups it has worked with in securing the conservation of churches. Crispin Truman, … Continue reading →

The Urban Design Group (UDG) has published the outcome of its pilot survey undertaken spring 2012 into research needs in urban design. Download the report, entitled ‘Urban Design and Public Realm research use and needs’, HERE: LINK

Former RIBA president, architect George Ferguson, has said he will run for the post of elected mayor in Bristol and pledges to save city £3m. Bristol24-7 Article: LINK BD Online Article: LINK

The Environment Agency (EA) has issued working draft guidelines advising interested parties on its role and responses regarding planning and permitting issues, with a closing date for responses of 15 June. The EA states: These guidelines have been developed to … Continue reading →

The government has officially launched the search for a successor to Paul Morrell as the Government’s chief construction adviser. Construction News Article: LINK

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has announced earmarked support totalling £15.9m for the regeneration of 12 city and town centres stretching from Falkirk to Folkestone. HLF’s investment will come through its Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) programme which fosters effective partnerships … Continue reading →

North of England Civic Trust (NECT) has been awarded £302,900 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to deliver its innovative Heritage Skills in Education project. The Heritage Skills in Education (HSed) project is an innovative programme to engage students with … Continue reading →

Plans for a housing scheme in north London have been rejected on appeal after an inspector found that it would significantly harm the setting of heritage assets, including a burial ground dating back to the 17th century. Search Planning Resource: … Continue reading →

VirtualTourist.com Announces World’s Top 10 Toilets, with pics! VirtualTourist states: Whether referred to as a restroom, loo, toilet, or otherwise, ‘the facilities’ are always an important part of being on the go. With this in mind the members and editors … Continue reading →